Handicapping the 149th Kentucky Oaks

By Rick Francis —- A full starting gate of fourteen 3-year-old fillies go to post for the 149th running of the Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks. Several of these sophomore ladies have faced each other on their “Road to the Oaks” campaign so a heated contest can be assured;...
Posted On 04 May 2023
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Arkansas & Florida Derby Picks

By Rick Francis —- Oaklawn Park Race 12) 1&1/8th Mile. Arkansas Derby Grade I. Purse $1,250,000 THREE YEAR OLDS Post Time: 7:24/( 6:24)/ 5:24/ 4:24 6) Angel of Empre (Cox/Prat); winner of the Grade 2 Risen Star, contested at today’s distance, placed here two back...
Posted On 31 Mar 2023
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Handicapping: Cox Duo Formidable in Grade II Rebel Stakes

By Rick Francis —- Trainer Brad Cox sends out a strong pair with Verifying and Giant Mischief in the running of the $1 Million Grade 2 Rebel Stakes. Each of these strapping 3-year-old colts are seeking their first points to the “Run for the Roses” so expect a...
Posted On 24 Feb 2023
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Handicapping: Grade 2 Risen Star, Rachel Alexander; Stakes Undercard Selections

By Rick Francis —- The hunt for valuable Kentucky Derby and Oaks points returns to New Orleans and Fair Grounds Race Course with the runnings of the Grade 2 Risen Star and G2 Rachel Alexandra. A full starting gate of fourteen sophomore colts will battle in the Star and five...
Posted On 16 Feb 2023
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Valuable Derby/Oaks points on line in Grade 3 Sam F. Davis, Suncoast Stakes

By Rick Francis —- The winding road to the 149th Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks takes us to Oldsmar, Florida and Tampa Bay Downs for the runnings of the Grade 3 Sam F. Davis for the boys and the Suncoast Stakes for the girls with each offering valuable points for a shot to...
Posted On 10 Feb 2023
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Gulfstream: Handicapping the Grade 3’s Holy Bull, Forward Gal

By Rick Francis —- Valuble Kentucky Derby/Oaks points are on the line for aspiring three-year-olds with the running of the G3 Holy Bull for the boys and the Grade 3 Forward Gal for the fillies. It’s a stakes filled afternoon from beautiful Gulfstream Park, let’s...
Posted On 02 Feb 2023
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Pegasus World Cup: Cyberknife goes out a winner; Stakes Selections

By Rick Francis —- The seventh installment of the Grade 1 Pegasus World Cup will once again feature some of thoroughbred racing’s best. A field of twelve will go to post, each looking for the coveted Grade 1 ring and their share of the $3 million purse; let’s...
Posted On 27 Jan 2023
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“Road to the Derby” Kicks off with Grade 3 Lecomte, Silverbulletday; Full-Card Selections

By Rick Francis —- The “Road to the Derby” kicks off in earnest at Fair Grounds with the running of the 79th Grade 3 Lecomte Stakes. A field of eight 3-year-olds will head to post in search of Graded Stakes win and valuble Kentucky Derby points; the day’s...
Posted On 20 Jan 2023
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Cigar Mile Handicap: Zandon looks the one to beat

By Rick Francis —- Though talk of the “Greatest” of all-time racehorses always comes back to Secretariat and the Triple Crown champions through history, one can never and should never overlook the great, “Incomprable Cigar”. A winner of 19 from 33...
Posted On 01 Dec 2022
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Fair Grounds: Chattalot looks to add to Asmussen’s Classic victories

By Rick Francis —- Bloom Racing and David Bern’s 3-year-old Midnight Lute colt Chattalot seeks to give trainer Steve Asmussen his seventh win in Fair Grounds Thanksgiving Classic. A field of seven will head to post for the 95th running contested at six furlongs. Race...
Posted On 23 Nov 2022
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